How to Get Here

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays, and your escape begins the moment you arrive. Whitsunday Escape is based at Coral Sea Marina, at the north end of Airlie Beach, and you can reach us easily by air, road, rail or ferry.

We recommend arriving the day before your charter and sleeping aboard your boat at the marina. It gives you time to rest, stock up in town, load the boat and settle in before your briefing the next morning. Your boat is ready from about 4:30pm, ahead of an 8:00am briefing.

By air

Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), near Proserpine, is the closest airport to Airlie Beach, about 30 to 40 minutes by road.

• Jetstar flies direct from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
• Virgin Australia flies direct from Brisbane, with connections from other cities
• Skytrans Australia fly direct from Cairns

You can also fly into Hamilton Island Airport and take the Cruise Whitsundays ferry to Port of Airlie (about 1 hour), or into Mackay Airport and take a shuttle. Allow extra time for either option, as connections can add around 2 hours to your arrival.

Airport transfers

Taxis aren’t always waiting at Whitsunday Coast Airport, so book your transfer before you fly.

• Shuttles: Airlie Beach Transfers and Heart of Reef Shuttles meet flights at Whitsunday Coast and Mackay airports
• Taxi: Whitsunday Taxis, 132 227 (pre-booking strongly advised)
• Uber: Uber is available in the Whitsundays
• Car hire: Avis, Hertz and Europcar operate at Whitsunday Coast Airport, with drop-off available in Airlie Beach

By ferry

Cruise Whitsundays is the only ferry service meeting flights at Hamilton Island. From Port of Airlie, our office is about a 5 minute taxi ride. If your ferry arrives at Shute Harbour, allow about 20 minutes by taxi or bus for the 15 km trip to Airlie Beach.

By road

Airlie Beach is reached from the Bruce Highway via Proserpine.

• From Brisbane: about 1,100 km, or 12 hours non-stop
• From Cairns: about 630 km, or 7 hours non-stop

All major coach companies also stop in Airlie Beach.

By rail

Queensland Rail’s coastal services stop at Proserpine station. Book a shuttle or taxi from the station to Airlie Beach through Queensland Rail when you book your ticket.

Parking

• At the marina: an open-air pay-and-display car park at the South Village of Coral Sea Marina, a short walk from our office
• Secure undercover parking: offsite, booked directly through Whitsunday Parking

Finding Whitsunday Escape

Our office is at Suite 16, Coral Sea Marina, directly above the dive shop. From the roundabout, follow the pedestrian zone past the kiosk. The town centre is about a 10 minute walk along the waterfront boardwalk, with cafes, a restaurant and bar, a concierge service and a laundromat right at the marina.

Not sure which option suits your crew? Our Airlie Beach team is happy to help you plan your arrival.